Food news from around the internet for October 17, 2013.

It’s the afternoon, and you deserve a break. Sit back, pour yourself a glass, and enjoy these food stories from around the Internet.

The Links

Professional criminals usually aim for bank vaults or international bank accounts. But whoever was behind the "well-executed inside job" that nabbed $25,300 worth of Pappy Van Winkle from Bourbon Trace Distillery clearly has more serious ambitions. [Grub Street]

Despite all their snacking, stoners apparently have lower BMIs than people who don't smoke pot. The connection between weed and metabolism is still unclear, so don't go crazy with the Doritos just yet. (Oh, okay, go crazy!) [American Journal of Medicine via TIME]

Food critics may have the luxury of dining on a publication's dime, but what if the restaurant doesn't let you eat? Last night, New York magazine critic Adam Platt was booted from NYC restaurant ZZ's Clam Bar. Perhaps that 1-star review he gave to the owners' other restaurant, Carbone, had something to do with it? [Eater]

In case you happen to have some plant hormone on hand, you'll be happy to know that spraying down your broccoli with it before eating will maximize its cancer-fighting potential. [American Chemical Society via EurekaAlert]

Food Network host Alton Brown is launching a line of printed bow ties, perfect for wearing whenever you feel particularly paisley, orange camo, or plaid after watching an episode of Cutthroat Kitchen. [Eater]

The Drinks

A bottle of Pappy is probably even more prohibitively expensive now, but that doesn't mean you can't make this Old Pal with a bottle of Michter's.